Oahu is a mere 597 sq. miles, but families will find plenty of activities. Most of the action is in the south, around Waikiki; the north is very different, less developed, and well worth visiting.
It's free, and one of the best things to do on Oahu. The legendary Waikiki Beach has been beautified: not only can you enjoy it's lovely sand and surf, you'll also enjoy a stroll along its wide flagstone sidewalk, past fountains, rock pools, statues, and surfboard-signs that offer bits of history. Perhaps you'll visit when free movies are shown on the beach.
* photo © Teresa Plowright
Your choices are many. The Outrigger Reef Hotel offers catamaran rides (see pix); kids love lounging on the mesh and peering down to the sea below. And a number of companies offer outings such as lunchtime cruises, sunset cruises, etc., perhaps with activities such as water trampoline or wind-surfing.
Another way to get out on the water-- and also under it-- is via an Atlantis Adventures submarine experience (- see below).
* photo © Teresa Plowright
Atlantis Adventures -- offered in many tropical spots-- offers are a novel way to explore the underseas; even kids too young for scuba or snorkeling can see underwater life. (Read more about
Atlantis submarine experiences.)
At Waikiki beach, guests board at the Hilton Hawaiian Village resort. A short boat ride -- with views of Waikiki and Diamond Head -- ferries passengers to the submarine; guests board, take a seat (everyone gets his or her own port-hole), and the captain begins the descent, typically with humorous commentary. On our trip, we were amused to see sea-turtles being "cleaned" by fish!
Photo © Teresa Plowright
Oahu offers an amazing opportunity to bring history alive for your kids. The USS Arizona Memorial, at Pearl Harbor, is a National Park, and offers a Junior Ranger Guide Book program: kids complete a book with fun activities, and get a badge. Allow enough time to tour the USS Arizona. Nearby, you can also tour the USS Bowfin submarine.
* photo © Teresa Plowright
Surfing originated as the sport of ancient Hawaiian royalty. Kids as young as eight can try: you can find lessons right on Waikiki Beach, where the surf is good for beginners-- surely one of the world's most convenient places to try this sport.
* photo © Lisa Sonne
Wild Side Specialty Tours are the best kind of nature-tour operators, with an ethical respect for marine animals in their natural habitat. No wildlife outing can guarantee sightings, but on a trip in December we were lucky enough to see gray whales, and to swim with spinner dolphins and sea turtles. Other types of outings are available too.
Visitors to Hawaii should know that there are many issues around swimming with dolphins. Swimming with wild dolphins could be a peak experience of a Hawaii trip, but be SURE to choose a dolphin outing responsibly.
Based on a tradition of Hawaiian feasts, the Luau has evolved into a rite of passage for tourists. Expect a splashy show, and a huge buffet (quality various.) The Polynesian Cultural Center, left, does an excellent Luau that's under a high roof-- no rain worries. No liquor is served, at the PCC; whereas at the other Luau we sampled --the Paradise Cove Luau-- drinking jokes started on the bus-ride. Kids enjoyed fun activities at this luau (stick-throwing games, tattoos, crafts, canoe ride). Visitors have several choices for luaus, so shop around and choose what's best for you.
* photo © Teresa Plowright
Visit seven Polynesian Islands in one afternoon. The Polynesian Cultural Center -- on the north side of Oahu-- is a beautiful place to spend a day, and each island-zone has activities that kids will enjoy. At Tonga, a hilarious stand-up comic routine included real-life making fire and coconut milk. Other "islands" featured drumming, Tahitian dances, tattoos, games, poi balls.
Evening brings a lavish luau buffet, and later on a Night Show with plenty of pizazz.
* photo © Teresa Plowright
Many people like to explore Hawaii from above, taking plane or helicopter tours. Glider rides offer not only beautiful views of hills and coast below, but the unique experience of "soaring".
Two passengers at a time squeeze into a sporty little glider, which is then roped to a plane and towed into the air, until the point when the rope gets dropped and-- you're soaring, no engine noise, just a beautiful ride. A 20-minute flight reaches altitudes of 3000 feet. Check out Honolulu Soaring, at the link above, on Oahu's North Shore, with beautiful vistas below your glider ride.
* photo © Teresa Plowright
No mere drink, but a delightful ritual. First, the setting: a huge verandah-- reminiscent of British colonial glory days-- looks out to a century-old giant banyan tree and the surf beyond. Then the ceremony: you'll be presented with a half-dozen exotic tea choices to sniff,and choose. And the kids? Can have their own tea party (reserve in advance), or use a kids' menu.
Note: tea service has changed; check for updates.
* photo © Teresa Plowright
As is common in the travel industry, the writer was provided with complimentary experiences for most of these activities. While this has not influenced reviews, About.com believes in full disclosure of all potential conflicts of interest. For more information, see our ethics policy.
